East High Alum Serves as Youth Poet Laureate—and Inspires the Next Generation to Speak Up

When Madison East High School graduate Justin Festge Russell applied to be Madison’s Youth Poet Laureate, it wasn’t part of some long-term plan—it was more like a calling.

“The opportunity kind of landed in my lap,” Festge Russell recalled. A mentor at UW-Madison, Sophia Snow, recognized his passion for poetry and his deep connection to Madison. “She said, ‘Justin, this sounds like you.’”

Now serving as the city’s Youth Poet Laureate, Festge Russell is using his platform to inspire young people—especially high school students—to use their voices, embrace creativity, and take chances.

Although he applied to the program after graduating from East and before starting college, he said high school students are absolutely encouraged to apply. In fact, he’s hoping more students do.

“Honestly, the sky’s the limit,” he said. “You can do anything you put your mind to. It’s a simple process. It’s just a risk. And if you’re willing to take that risk, you will see the reward.”

As Poet Laureate, Festge Russell spends his time sharing poetry, visiting classrooms and staying connected to the community. “I'm an educator at heart,” he said. “Being in an educational environment, beautiful—beautiful.”

Festge Russell, also known by his stage name Jexizis, is a local poet, hip-hop artist, and producer, studying as a Hip-Hop & Urban Arts Scholar at UW–Madison, and a member of First Wave. He is pursuing a degree in education and education administration.

He also offered a tip for young poets: know your worth. “The money? You should sell that,” he laughed. “They pay can be good—if you ask for it. And even if they can’t, sometimes they’ll find a way. That’s the type of love that’s in this community.”

To students thinking about applying for the Madison Youth Poet Laureate program, his advice is simple: “Do it. Apply yourself. Show yourself grace. Your greatness is meant to be shown to the world.”

Applications are open April 1-April 30, in honor of National Poetry Month. Poets between 13 and 19-years old who live in the City of Madison are encouraged to apply.